Dier - Dele's back!

Eric Dier spoke about Dele’s ‘unique quality’ after his friend and team-mate delivered on the big stage again as we toppled Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

Dele made it six goals in six games against the Blues and played a key role in a sparkling performance that ended their unbeaten record and lifted us into third in the Premier League.

The midfield marauder helped nullify the role of one of Chelsea’s key players, Jorginho, as our high press pushed Maurizio Sarri’s side on the back foot.

Dele was there to glance home the key opening goal on eight minutes and twice set-up chances for Heung-Min Son in the first half before it was third-time-lucky after the break, Sonny racing onto Dele’s pass and away from Jorginho and David Luiz to add an outstanding third goal to our account. Harry Kane rifiled home the second in the 3-1 win.

Dele later skimmed the bar before going off to a standing ovation on 87 minutes.

“Dele has that unique quality of appearing at the right time, the right moment,” said Eric. “It’s a very unique skill and not many people have it.

“He seems to have it, especially against the big teams, especially against Chelsea. His record against Chelsea is fantastic and that’s a nice team to have a good record against!

“It’s great to have him back. He’s been struggling with injury - even at the World Cup he had a little injury (he missed the group games against Panama and Belgium) - and I feel he’s really reaching his best form again.

“He looks in fantastic shape again and hopefully he’ll continue to do what he’s been doing for Tottenham since he’s been here.”

Eric also had praise for Dele’s fellow goalscorers Harry and Sonny - who registered goals number 151 and 50 respectively for the Club.

Eric on Harry

“Whenever Harry shoots you know there is a good chance he might score. It’s a fantastic finish because I think he’s caught the goalkeeper out, the goalkeeper can’t see it because there is a defender in front of him. He shoots so quickly, pulls the trigger so quickly, that it’s difficult for goalkeepers to get set for it. It was a fantastic goal.”

Eric on Sonny

“He’d missed a few chances but made up for it in the manner he scored that goal. I’m so happy for him. He deserves everything that comes his way.

“The most important thing was the work ethic. The goals are what’s talked about but the work ethic...their energy was fantastic and that makes it a lot easier for the players behind them. We really got amongst them and when we won it back, we got the ball forward quickly. That’s what the manager asked from us before the game and that’s what we did.”